By Threshold Comparison Patents (Class 702/193)
  • Patent number: 7373403
    Abstract: A system to collect heterogeneous scalar measurement data over a network from a plurality of devices connected to the network, and normalize the collected heterogeneous scalar measurement data based on a mathematical transform of collected scalar measurement data into a common mathematical space. The transformed scalar measurement data is displayed in graphical representations such that transformed scalar measurement data from a particular network device can be displayed alongside a graphical representation of a transformed scalar measurement data from a different particular network device. Thus, transformed scalar measurement data from different heterogeneous network devices can be aggregated and displayed in the same graphical representation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 22, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 13, 2008
    Assignee: Agilent Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert H. Kroboth, David L. Barnard
  • Patent number: 7369951
    Abstract: A signal processing system for detecting purposive signals includes an input receiving a signal having a signal characteristic subject to user manipulation. An activation detector compares a property of the signal characteristic to one or more signal characteristic property thresholds over time. A filter module determines whether the signal characteristic is purposively manipulated based on an amount of time preceding or following an occurrence of the property exceeding or falling below one or more signal characteristic property thresholds.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 6, 2008
    Assignee: Board of Trustees of Michigan State University
    Inventors: Stephen R. Blosser, John B. Eulenberg
  • Patent number: 7362223
    Abstract: A chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear weapon detection system is disclosed that heightens its acuity and alertness when it senses that a chemical, biological, radiological, or nuclear weapon attack is more likely. For example, it is well understood that a chemical gas attack is likely to be less effective when it is raining than when it is clear because the rain will suppress and dilute the chemical agent. Therefore, the likelihood of a chemical gas attack is higher when it is clear. In light of this and similar knowledge, the illustrative embodiment checks for evidence of an attack more frequently and with great acuity than when the ambient environmental (e.g., meteorological, etc.) characteristics (e.g., whether is it precipitating or not, whether it is sunny or not, etc) suggest that an attack is more likely. This enables the embodiment to conserve consumables that are used in detecting attacks for when the attacks are more likely.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 22, 2008
    Assignee: Lockhead Martin Corporation
    Inventors: Scott M. Maurer, Mark J. Derksen, Robert H. Fleming, Kevin J. Kofler
  • Patent number: 7356340
    Abstract: A system and method is shown for determining the spatial boundary of certain measurable phenomena, such as broadcast signals, at various locations within geographical areas covered by the phenomenon. Data representing relative signal quality at various locations within the geographical area is created within a mobile device, such as a cell phone capable of receiving the phenomenon. The data is stored and refined within the device so as to define weak signal quality areas within at least a portion of the geographical area traveled by the mobile device. The refinement, which in one embodiment comprises coalescing and splitting stored data locations in the device allows for long storage periods by reducing memory requirements. By devoting the majority of memory to locations in the vicinity of the good/bad boundary, the most detailed picture possible of the boundary is achieved for a given amount of memory.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 2, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 8, 2008
    Assignee: Agilent Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Bruce Hamilton
  • Publication number: 20080059097
    Abstract: A scale is provided that switches a scale interval according to the degree of variation of sampled data and acquires a highly reliable weight value based on the switched scale interval.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 27, 2007
    Publication date: March 6, 2008
    Inventor: Yoshio Sakai
  • Patent number: 7333922
    Abstract: A method of monitoring machine operation includes sensing an operating characteristic of a plurality of machines and calculating a performance metric. The performance metric is indicative of the operating characteristic of at least a portion of the plurality of machines. The method also includes storing the performance metric and comparing the performance metric to at least one other stored performance metric.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2008
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventor: Robert Kimball Cannon
  • Patent number: 7307411
    Abstract: A apparatus and method for creating a universally usable and configurable sensor platform which is used in conjunction with various sensor and sensing elements to sense and measure environmental conditions which incorporates inputs from multiple sensors 6-9 and 12-14. The apparatus incorporates an oscillator 3 which provides a signal whose frequency varies according to the inputs from sensors 6-9 and 12-14 in combination with a microprocessor 1. A cordic block 61 allows for supplemental calculations of trigonometric operations and functions. An output unit 2 converts the signals received from microprocessor 1 into a variety of serial protocols.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2007
    Assignee: Sensor Platforms, Inc.
    Inventors: George Hsu, Joseph F. Miller
  • Patent number: 7260486
    Abstract: A flow meter includes a measuring tube for conveying a fluid to be measured and a magnetic field system, which has at least one field coil, through which an exciter current (IM) flows, at least at times, for producing a magnetic field passing through the fluid at least partly perpendicularly to a stream direction. In the method, the voltage (UH) instantaneously driving the exciter current (IM) is changed at a second point in time, t2, from the second voltage level, Udrv, to a third voltage level, Ushort, especially to a third voltage level which is constant or controlled to be constant, in order to achieve a sinking of the electrical current strength of the exciter current (IM) instantaneously flowing in the at least one field coil from the maximum current value, Im, to an electrical current end value, Iczu, especially a constant end value, predetermined for the exciter current (IM). In such case, the third voltage level, Ushort, is chosen smaller than the second voltage level, Urev.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2007
    Assignee: Endress + Hauser Flowtec AG
    Inventor: Thomas Budmiger
  • Patent number: 7260506
    Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for directionally filtering signals by projecting a received signal onto a subspace substantially orthogonal to selected interfering signals. The received signal typically comprises at least one signal of interest, at least one selected interfering signal, and noise. The received signal may further comprise other signals, including non-selected interfering signals. The projection of the received signal results in substantially no contribution from the selected interference signals on the signal of interest. For example, substantially no residual energy of the selected interference signals remains as an influence on the signal of interest. In one embodiment, a system generates a converted matrix having a substantially orthogonal set of vectors. Each vector may represent one or more selected interfering signals. The vectors may comprise code characteristics of the selected interfering signals. A directional filter uses the matrix to perform the projection.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2007
    Assignee: Tensorcomm, Inc.
    Inventors: John K. Thomas, Anand P. Narayan, Eric B. Olson
  • Patent number: 7254169
    Abstract: A loss-of-signal (LOS) condition is detected by sampling input data for a predetermined time period, comparing a magnitude of the sampled input data to a threshold signal strength level, and asserting a LOS indication if the number of samples that have signal strength less than the threshold signal strength level is less than a predetermined value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2007
    Assignee: Silicon Laboratories Inc.
    Inventors: Philip David Steiner, Michael H. Perrott, Vadim Gutnik
  • Patent number: 7248975
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for use is described which permits real time monitoring of build-up of particulate contamination in a wafer processing chamber. The apparatus is capable of monitoring particle build up in regions of a processing chamber which are not accessible by traditional optical particle scanners. An accelerometer is fastened to a body in the chamber upon which particulates deposit. The body is subjected to vibrations and produces a vibration signal which is detected by the accelerometer. The signal is processed to form a frequency spectrum of vibration amplitudes. Frequencies in a selected band are directly proportional to the particulate build up on the body. The invention is applied to a wafer annealing tool with a rotatable platform wherein particles deposit on a support body under the wafer. The method and apparatus have been shown to be reliable and accurate as well as cost effective and easily implemented.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2007
    Assignee: TECH Semiconductor Singapore Pte Ltd
    Inventors: Khoon Peng Lim, Lai Seng Foo
  • Patent number: 7243049
    Abstract: The present invention provides a method for modeling the performance of a system comprising computer software operating on computer hardware. In accordance with the present invention, system performance is modeled by fitting non-linear curves to data points for system performance parameters, such as response time and throughput, as a function of load. Data points may be measured in testing may be measured through monitoring a system operating in a production environment. While a variety of non-linear curves may be used in accordance with the present invention, a logarithmic curve may be used to model system throughput and an exponential curve may be used to model system response time. By defining a relationship between throughput and response time a distance may be calculated between the curves, and this distance may be used to determine an optimal load.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 21, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 10, 2007
    Assignee: Sprint Communications Company L.P.
    Inventors: Dean Lee Saghier, Justin A. Martin
  • Patent number: 7239984
    Abstract: The invention provides methods and apparatus, including computer program products, for correcting outlier values in a series of values representing a predetermined numerical parameter over time. For predetermined time interval with a beginning (b) and end (e) point of the time series, an ex-post forecast time series (s_ep) is calculated using the historical time series (s_h) and a predetermined model function (f). Lower and upper tolerance limit lines are defined using (s_ep) and on a quality function (qf) over the time interval. Beginning at (b), (s_h) is corrected by replacing the first value outside of the tolerance lines by a predetermined value inside the tolerance lines. The (s_ep) is recalculated using (s_h) and (f). The tolerance lines are redefined using the recalculated (s_ep) and (qf) that takes only values where the last outlier value has been replaced. These steps are repeated until all (s_h) outlier values have been replaced.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 3, 2007
    Assignee: SAP AG
    Inventor: Ralph Moessner
  • Patent number: 7233883
    Abstract: A monitoring system includes a plurality of monitoring devices adjacently provided to a group of integrated fuel cell stacks for measuring a voltage of the fuel cell units. Each of the monitoring devices includes a plurality of monitoring sensors adapted for electrically connecting to a predetermined set of fuel cell units and a MCU (Micro-Chip-Unit) for sequentially and circularly switching each two neighboring monitoring sensors for reading the voltage of each respective fuel cell. A CAN bus is provided for electrically and collectively interconnecting the monitoring devices with a central operator which is arranged in such a manner that when said the voltage of the respective fuel cell unit exceeds a safety range, the central operator generates an alert signal for indicating an abnormal operation of the respective fuel cell.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 19, 2007
    Assignee: Shen-Li High Tech Co., Ltd. (Shanghai)
    Inventors: Mingzhu Fu, Liqing Hu
  • Patent number: 7216063
    Abstract: A method and system are disclosed for comparing a data set to a baseline value for use in data analysis of the data set having a plurality of data points, the method comprising providing the data set to be analyzed, locating potentially bad data points in at least a portion of the data set using an odd-man out recursive technique, preparing a baseline set by discarding the potentially bad data points from the at least a portion of the data set and calculating a baseline value from the baseline set.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 13, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 8, 2007
    Assignee: Pratt & Whitney Canada Corp.
    Inventors: Phuc Luong Nguyen, Denis Collin, Peter Matschek
  • Patent number: 7216053
    Abstract: An energy-efficient acceleration measurement system is presented. The system includes an accelerometer, responsive to acceleration of the system, for providing an accelerometer output signal having a magnitude indicative of at least one component of the acceleration. A motion detector is responsive to the accelerometer output signal, and provides a processor interrupt signal, but only if the magnitude of acceleration reaches a threshold. The processor, responsive to the processor interrupt signal, measures the acceleration with higher accuracy than the motion detector is capable of, but in a way that consumes more power than was needed by the motion detector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 8, 2007
    Assignee: Nokia Corporation
    Inventors: Juha Rakkola, Jukka Salminen, Kimmo Koli, Teemu Salo
  • Patent number: 7184939
    Abstract: The invention is directed to a system and method of observing actions performed on a computer and inferring relationships between objects based on information corresponding to the observed actions. Relationships between the objects may be determined based on usage information and a usage pattern may be generated if the usage information recurs a selected number of times in a predetermined period of time. When a usage pattern is generated, objects may be automatically launched, icons may be automatically presented to users, and/or menu bars may be automatically configured based on established profiles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 3, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 27, 2007
    Assignee: Novell, Inc.
    Inventors: Jon Eric Trowbridge, Nathaniel Dourif Friedman
  • Patent number: 7167815
    Abstract: The intensity of an odour can be quantified by determining what is the response of an odour sensing device to that odour, then transforming the response data to an odour intensity value based on transformation data relating to a set of selected reference odours. The transformation data includes organoleptic data indicating how odour intensity values assigned to the set of reference odours by a sensory panel depend upon the concentration of the reference compounds and includes data indicating how the response data of the odour sensing device when exposed to the set of reference odours depends upon the concentration of the reference compounds. The reference odours may be basic odours defining the dimensions of a multi-dimensional space in which odours can be defined.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 23, 2007
    Assignee: Alpha M.O.S.
    Inventors: Saïd Labreche, Eric Chanie, Jean-Christophe Mifsud
  • Patent number: 7164997
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is a method and system for calibrating line drive currents in systems that generate data signals by varying line drive currents and that interpret the data signals by comparing them to one or more reference voltages. The calibration includes varying the line drive current at a transmitting component. At different line drive currents, a receiver reference voltage is varied while the transmitting component transmits data to a receiving component. At each line drive current, the system records the highest and lowest receiver reference voltages at which data errors do not occur. The system then examines the recorded high and low receiver reference voltages to determine a desirable line drive current.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 16, 2007
    Assignee: Rambus Inc.
    Inventors: Pradeep Batra, Rick A. Rutkowski
  • Patent number: 7162397
    Abstract: An engine diagnostic system is provided that enables a service technician to evaluate engine cylinder contribution to output power. The service technician couples one or more signal leads to the vehicle's battery, alternator, or accessory receptacle (e.g., cigarette lighter receptacle) to provide an alternator output signal to a signal analyzer. The signal analyzer processes the alternator output signal to generate an engine signature, which represents engine cylinder contribution to engine output power.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2007
    Assignee: Snap-On Incorporated
    Inventors: Robert D. DeCarlo, Dennis M. Mutzabaugh, Nicolaas M. J. Stoffels
  • Patent number: 7155372
    Abstract: In one embodiment, a method that includes creating a filter structure using a parameter of a periodic pulse train, the filter structure having a plurality of time slots, each time slot being associated with a memory value; receiving a pulse at a time; incrementing the memory value associated with the time slot corresponding to the time the pulse was received; filtering the pulse if the memory value exceeds a threshold; and transmitting the pulse to a processor if the memory value does not exceed the threshold. In another embodiment, an apparatus that includes an input filter; a pulse detection circuit coupled to the input filter; a periodic pulse filter coupled to the pulse detection circuit; and a pulse queuing and transmission circuit coupled to the periodic pulse filter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 26, 2006
    Assignee: BAE Systems Information and Electronic Systems
    Inventor: William C. Alexander
  • Patent number: 7143012
    Abstract: The invention concerns a method for filtering signals (Vin) generated by a piezo-electric type accelerometer in response to detection of a shock applied to an object to which the accelerometer is connected, this method characterised in that it ensures, during a particular step, that the signal (Vin) generated by the accelerometer, after having increased and exceeded a first threshold value (VTH,ON) decreases and becomes lower than a second threshold value (VTH,OFF) lower than the first threshold value (VTH,ON) after a period of time (TP,ON) greater than a minimum period of time (TP,ON,MIN) and less than a maximum period of time (TP,ON,MAX). The invention also concerns a device for filtering signals generated by an accelerometer in response to detection of a shock applied to an object connected to the accelerometer. Finally, the invention concerns a portable object such as a wristwatch including a detection device of this kind.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 28, 2006
    Assignee: EM Microelectronic-Marin SA
    Inventors: Reto Galli, Mathias Peguiron, Yves Godat, Nicolas Jeannet
  • Patent number: 7132766
    Abstract: A technique for controlling a switching circuit, such as a relay, includes one or more sensing circuits that generate signals based upon the presence of an actuating object and upon a randomly applied strobe signal. The generated signals are sampled and are used as a basis for determining the state of an output signal. The sensing circuit may generate the signals based upon capacitive coupling with the actuating object. The randomization of the sampling provides enhanced immunity to periodic or cyclic noise. Where more than one sensing circuit is included, the output of the circuits may be considered together for determining the state of the output signal, such as based upon predetermined ranges of signal levels. Signals of the sensing circuit may be sampled in the absence of the strobe to provide an indication of the relative noise level. If the noise level is determined to be elevated, the output signal may not change states.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 7, 2006
    Assignee: Rockwell Automation Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael Lee Gasperi, David Dale Brandt, Thong T. Nguyen
  • Patent number: 7120564
    Abstract: A device for detecting and compensating field distortion in underground line locators by means of mapping the field-strength of the field generated by electrical currents within the buried line. Signals from the underground structure can be mapped with respect to the position of the device. From the map, distortions from the expected signals can be determined, indicating interference from other structures or errors in detected location of the structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 3, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 10, 2006
    Assignee: Metrotech Corporation
    Inventor: Gordon Pacey
  • Patent number: 7096129
    Abstract: A threshold voltage model with an impurity concentration profile in a channel direction taken into account is provided in the pocket implant MOSFET. With penetration length of the implanted pocket in the channel direction and the maximum impurity concentration of the implant pocket used as physical parameters, the threshold voltage model is obtained by linearly approximating the profile in the channel direction. By analytically solving the model by using a new threshold condition with inhomogeneous profile taken into account, the threshold voltage can be accurately obtained. Based on thus obtained model, the threshold voltage can be predicted and can be used for circuit design.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2006
    Assignee: Semiconductor Technology Academic Research Center
    Inventors: Daisuke Kitamaru, Michiko Miura
  • Patent number: 7065465
    Abstract: A multi-sensor data fusion system and method provides adaptive weighting of the contributions from a plurality of sensors in the system using an additive calculation of a sensor reliability function for each sensor. During a predetermined tracking period, data is received from each individual sensor in the system and a sensor reliability function is determined for each sensor based on the SNR (signal-to-noise ratio) for the received data from each sensor. Each sensor reliability function is individually weighted based on the SNR for each sensor and a comparison of predetermined sensor operation characteristics for each sensor and a best performing (most reliable) sensor. Additive calculations are performed on the sensor reliability functions to produce both an absolute and a relative reliability function which provide a confidence level for the multi-sensor system relating to the correct classification (recognition) of targets and decoys.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 20, 2006
    Assignee: Lockheed Martin Corporation
    Inventors: Hai-Wen Chen, Teresa L. Olson
  • Patent number: 7065468
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for assessing damage to machine components is provided. The method includes calculating an expected parameter value based on a first parameter value indicator, calculating an estimate of an actual parameter value based on a second parameter value indicator, the second parameter value indicator being different than the first parameter value indicator, determining if the calculated expected parameter value is different than the calculated estimate of the actual parameter value by a predefined limit, and generating a damage flag based on a result of the comparison. The apparatus includes a computing device including a processor and a memory communicatively coupled to the processor, the processor programmed to execute a software product code segment that includes a detection boundary module, an estimator, and a comparator wherein the computing device is programmed to assess damage within an engine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 20, 2006
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventor: Matthew William Wiseman
  • Patent number: 7039476
    Abstract: A method of operating a control device having a setpoint value, an error signal, and a control output is disclosed. The error signal is representative of a difference between a controlled variable and the setpoint value, the control output operable to affect the controlled variable. The method includes generating the control output based at least in part on the error signal and holding the control output at a held value independent of the error signal when the error signal is within a dead zone. The method also includes causing an integrating portion within the control device to track the error signal and the held value when the error signal is within the dead zone.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 11, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 2, 2006
    Assignee: Siemens Building Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: David E. Bornside, Theo Frutiger
  • Patent number: 7027961
    Abstract: A method to automatically identify the inertia of an actuator (and the like) and load for tuning an observer-based controller is presented. The tuning is a one-time process that is initiated by a user when the actuator is installed. The control includes a model of the actuator with state feedback to set the desired dynamics.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2006
    Assignee: Woodward Governor Company
    Inventor: Gregory A. Molenaar
  • Patent number: 7019509
    Abstract: A digital envelope detector (consisting of both hardware and software) that provides accurate measurements of changes of peak values of an AC signal (these peak values constitute the envelope of a signal). Such accurate envelope measurements are required, e.g., to optimize the accuracy and selectivity of chemical sensors. The envelope values required for these sensors can not be obtained with common instruments (e.g. voltmeters) since these meters require that successive peaks be the same amplitude. Therefore, they can not measure the envelope of a gradually increasing or decreasing AC signal from the chemical sensors. The only possible alternative to this invention is high speed, high resolution analog-to-digital conversion (ADC) followed by extensive statistical analysis. The ADC method is much more expensive, slower, and excessively complicated compared to the invention.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 21, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2006
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Navy
    Inventor: Richard A. Kant
  • Patent number: 7010468
    Abstract: A method for converting a slope based detection task to a threshold based detection task is provided. The method initiates with defining an approximation equation for a set of points corresponding to values of a process being monitored. Then, an expected value at a current point of the process being monitored is predicted. Next, a difference between a measured value at the current point of the process being monitored and the corresponding expected value is calculated. Then, the difference is monitored for successive points to detect a deviation value between the measured value and the expected value. Next, a transition point for the process being monitored is identified based on the detection of the deviation value. A processing system configured to provide real time data for a slope based transition and a computer readable media are also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 5, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2006
    Assignee: Lam Research Corporation
    Inventors: Yehiel Gotkis, Vladimir Katz, David Hemker, Rodney Kistler, Nicolas J. Bright
  • Patent number: 6999906
    Abstract: The invention relates to a reconfiguration method designed to be implemented in a computer system, for compensating failures of a sensor system (1). The sensor system includes at least one sensor (2, 50) for measuring (12, 22) system states of an application system (11, 21) and at least one system model (4) for describing the application system, which together form at least one first observer (6) for estimating system states in order to provide system states for an allocated data processing device (14, 24). According to the method, failure states for a first observer are determined from deviations, which occur as a result of the comparison between a number of states measured by the sensor or sensors and a state estimated by the system model.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 18, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 14, 2006
    Assignee: EADS Deutschland GmbH
    Inventors: Thomas Koehler, Winfried Lohmiller
  • Patent number: 6990252
    Abstract: An apparatus for analyzing the broadband noise content of a digital image comprising the following: a means of automatically identifying regions of originally constant color in the image by analysis of the variance of pixel values of regions of the image; a means of automatically detecting and discarding regions deemed to be unrepresentative of the true noise content of an image, including under- and over-exposed regions; a means of allowing the user to manually select some or all required constant color regions if desired; and, a means of analyzing such constant color regions to generate a parametric or non-parametric model of the noise in the image, including frequency characteristic within and between channels and other characteristics such as phase which might describe structured noise.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2006
    Assignee: Adobe Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: Jonathan Martin Shekter
  • Patent number: 6961679
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and system for efficiently determining grating profiles using dynamic learning in a library generation process. The present invention also relates to a method and system for searching and matching trial grating profiles to determine shape, profile, and spectrum data information associated with an actual grating profile.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 27, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2005
    Assignee: Timbre Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Xinhui Niu, Nickhil Jakatdar
  • Patent number: 6928395
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and system for efficiently determining grating profiles using dynamic learning in a library generation process. The present invention also relates to a method and system for searching and matching trial grating profiles to determine shape, profile, and spectrum data information associated with an actual grating profile.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 27, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 9, 2005
    Assignee: TImbre Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Xinhui Niu, Nickhil Jakatdar
  • Patent number: 6909976
    Abstract: A threshold voltage model with an impurity concentration profile in a channel direction taken into account is provided in the pocket implant MOSFET. With penetration length of the implanted pocket in the channel direction and the maximum impurity concentration of the implant pocket used as physical parameters, the threshold voltage model is obtained by linearly approximating the profile in the channel direction. By analytically solving the model by using a new threshold condition with inhomogeneous profile taken into account, the threshold voltage can be accurately obtained. Based on thus obtained model, the threshold voltage can be predicted and can be used for circuit design.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 21, 2005
    Assignee: Semiconductor Technology Academic Research Center
    Inventors: Daisuke Kitamaru, Michiko Miura
  • Patent number: 6909997
    Abstract: A method and system provide a multi-sensor data fusion system capable of adaptively weighting the contributions from each one of a plurality of sensors using a plurality of data fusion methods. During a predetermined tracking period, the system receives data from each individual sensor and each data fusion method is performed to determine a plurality of reliability functions for the system based on combining each sensor reliability function which are individually weighted based on the S/N (signal-to-noise) ratio for the received data from each sensor, and a comparison of predetermined sensor operation characteristics for each sensor and a best performing (most reliable) sensor. The system may dynamically select to use one or a predetermined combination of the generated reliability functions as the current (best) reliability function which provides a confidence level for the multi-sensor system relating to the correct classification (recognition) of targets and decoys.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 21, 2005
    Assignee: Lockheed Martin Corporation
    Inventors: Hai-Wen Chen, Teresa L. Olson
  • Patent number: 6882963
    Abstract: A computer monitoring system includes a sensor, a non-volatile storage and a controller. The sensor measures a parameter of a computer, and the non-volatile storage holds a threshold representing a limit for one parameter. The controller is configured to determine a normal operating range for the parameter and modify the threshold to match the limit of the normal operating range more closely.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 15, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 19, 2005
    Assignee: Intel Corporation
    Inventor: Thomas M. Slaight
  • Patent number: 6868350
    Abstract: A method for operating a sensing device. The method comprising: a sensor film having an electrical resistance that is adapted to change in response to the presence of a predetermined condition; detecting the presence of the predetermined condition; measuring the electrical resistance of the sensor film at a first time; measuring the electrical resistance of the sensor film at a second time; determining a rate of change of the electrical resistance between the first time and the second time; and comparing the rate of change of the electrical resistance against a threshold value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 11, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 15, 2005
    Assignee: Therm-O-Disc, Incorporated
    Inventors: Bernd D. Zimmermann, Prasad S. Khadkikar, Lance A. Bostic
  • Patent number: 6859762
    Abstract: A low voltage low power signal processing system and method for use in low power and/or portable measuring instruments such as linear or rotary encoders, electronic calipers and the like. In one embodiment, the analog-to-digital converter is implemented as a parallel, single ramp, with two matched comparators for each leg of differential input, which can be implemented with relatively simple circuitry, and consequently be of a small size. The system may be used with a three-phase transducer configuration, for which the preferred signal processing techniques are able to cancel most of the third harmonic distortion in the system, and for which the fully differential signal processing methods of the invention are advantageous. The invention may be used in a portable measuring instrument that operates from a single 1.5 volt watch battery or solar cell, and that has a current drain of 5 microamps.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 3, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 22, 2005
    Assignee: Mitutoyo Corporation
    Inventor: Patrick H. Mawet
  • Patent number: 6859765
    Abstract: A method for converting a slope based detection task to a threshold based detection task is provided. The method initiates with defining an approximation equation for a set of points corresponding to values of a process being monitored. Then, an expected value at a current point of the process being monitored is predicted. Next, a difference between a measured value at the current point of the process being monitored and the corresponding expected value is calculated. Then, the difference is monitored for successive points to detect a deviation value between the measured value and the expected value. Next, a transition point for the process being monitored is identified based on the detection of the deviation value. A processing system configured to provide real time data for a slope based transition and a computer readable media are also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 22, 2005
    Assignee: Lam Research Corporation
    Inventors: Yehiel Gotkis, Vladimir Katz, David Hemker, Rodney Kistler, Nicolas J. Bright
  • Patent number: 6847917
    Abstract: Disclosed are techniques used in connection with determining a health indicator (HI) of a component, such as that of an aircraft component. The HI is determined using condition indicators (CIs) which parameterize characteristics about a component minimizing possibility of a false alarm. Different algorithms are disclosed which may be used in determining one or more CIs. The HI may be determined using a normalized CI value. Techniques are also described in connection with selecting particular CIs that provide for maximizing separation between HI classifications. Given a particular HI at a point in time for a component, techniques are described for predicting a future state or health of the component using the Kalman filter. Techniques are described for estimating data values as an alternative to performing data acquisitions, as may be used when there is no pre-existing data.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 25, 2005
    Assignee: Simmonds Precision Products, Inc.
    Inventor: Eric Robert Bechhoefer
  • Patent number: 6847921
    Abstract: The invention is a method for analyzing spatially-varying noise in seismic data. Transitions between data values at adjacent data locations in a seismic data set are represented by Markov chains. Transition probability matrices are constructed from the Markov chains. Data values are predicted from the calculated transition probabilities. Noise values are determined from the predicted data values.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 7, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 25, 2005
    Assignee: ExxonMobil Upstream Research Company
    Inventors: Alex Woronow, John F. Schuette, Chrysanthe S. Munn
  • Patent number: 6810367
    Abstract: A system is disclosed that collects heterogeneous scalar measurement data over a network from a plurality of devices connected to the network, and automatically normalizes the collected heterogeneous scalar measurement data based on a threshold to generate an event based on a threshold crossing. In an embodiment, the system automatically derives a measurement from the collected heterogeneous scalar measurement data; and automatically scales the derived measurement or the collected heterogeneous scalar measurement data. In another embodiment, the system normalizes the collected heterogeneous scalar measurement data, the scaled derived measurement, the scaled collected heterogeneous scalar measurement data, or the derived measurement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 8, 2002
    Date of Patent: October 26, 2004
    Assignee: Agilent Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: David L. Barnard
  • Patent number: 6806721
    Abstract: A digital envelope detector (consisting of both hardware and software) that provides accurate measurements of changes of peak values of an AC signal (these peak values constitute the envelope of a signal). Such accurate envelope measurements are required to optimize the accuracy and selectivity of chemical sensors. A signal of interest is compared to each of a set of accurately calibrated reference voltages provided by a digital to analog converter. A digital logic circuit and software respond each time the signal fails to exceed the current reference voltage. In that event, relevant data (time or cycle count) are digitally recorded and a new reference voltage is installed. The process is repeated until the desired range of change of signal is measured.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 2002
    Date of Patent: October 19, 2004
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Navy
    Inventor: Richard A. Kant
  • Patent number: 6799078
    Abstract: A controller and method for efficient tracking and optimizing of a machine set-point, to correct for changes in machine characteristics, can include: (a) defining allowed ranges for output product properties and possible machine set-points, and optimal set-point criteria; (b) finding updated constants for the machine model by calibrating the model; (c) using the updated constants to find all set-points providing a product with properties within the allowed ranges; (d) determining an optimized set-point; (e) operating the machine at the optimized set-point, and obtaining a new output product; (f) comparing the properties of the new output product to the allowed ranges; (g) successfully finishing the procedure as finding a new set point if the properties of the output product are within allowed ranges; and, (h) if the properties of the output product are out of said allowed ranges, repeating the procedure from b.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 2000
    Date of Patent: September 28, 2004
    Assignee: Pronetix, Ltd.
    Inventors: Oded Berkooz, Moshe Evenor, Robert Landon Roach
  • Patent number: 6785638
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and system for efficiently determining grating profiles using dynamic learning in a library generation process. The present invention also relates to a method and system for searching and matching trial grating profiles to determine shape, profile, and spectrum data information associated with an actual grating profile.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 6, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 31, 2004
    Assignee: Timbre Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Xinhui Niu, Nickhil Jakatdar
  • Patent number: 6772100
    Abstract: A technique for estimating the position of an object from sensor measurements in the presence of multipath conditions is disclosed. In one aspect, the technique includes a position estimator comprising a signal filter, a multipath detector, and a multipath bias estimator. The signal filter is capable of receiving a sensor measurement and generating a measurement noise variance estimate and a position estimate therefrom. The multipath detector is capable of applying a dynamic threshold against the measurement noise variance estimate to determine whether a multipath condition exists. And, the multipath bias estimator is capable of generating a correction for multipath induced measurement bias error from a measurement noise variance estimate for application upon determining that a multipath condition exists.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 3, 2004
    Assignee: Lockheed Martin Corporation
    Inventor: John I. Lipp
  • Patent number: 6721693
    Abstract: The correction device comprises a block for decomposition into total proper elements, according to the Kato spectral decomposition method, of the covariance matrix to be corrected. The block supplies to a correction block the total proper values and the total projectors of the covariance matrix, as well as first coefficient vectors for the combination of the source signals of the covariance matrix. The correlation block estimates the reconstructed variances of combinations of the source signals using the first coefficient vectors and second used-defined coefficient vectors. It looks for the corrected matrix closest to the matrix to be corrected, in relation to the variances and total projectors while is applying a quasi-Newton type method to the dual of a semi-defined lesser error square programme.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 13, 2004
    Assignee: Raise Partner
    Inventor: François Oustry
  • Patent number: 6721694
    Abstract: A method for generating a model of a portion of the floor of a body of water from a plurality of depth measurement sources includes determining an overlap of any of the plurality of depth measurement sources with another depth measurement source and generating a relative shift between any two depth measurement sources that overlap. For each depth measurement source that overlaps with at least one other source, generating an overall shift based on the generated relative shifts. The method also includes generating a desired grid having a plurality of grid nodes and generating a model depth at a plurality of the grid nodes based, at least in part, on a global shift for the measurements of the plurality of sources based on the relative shift. Further, an output is generated of all model depths at respective grid nodes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 13, 1998
    Date of Patent: April 13, 2004
    Assignee: Raytheon Company
    Inventors: Mark A. Lambrecht, Eugene J. Molinelli